Connor Barron fires defiant Rangers message over last 5 games as Barry Ferguson impact laid bare

The Ibrox club crashed out of the Europa League at the quarter-final stage meaning they will suffer a trophy-less campaign

Defiant Connor Barron is adamant that Rangers’ season ISN’T over.

The Ibrox club crashed out of the Europa League at the quarter-final stage on Thursday night at the hands of Athletic Bilbao.

The 2-0 defeat in the San Mames, which will host the final next month, effectively ended Gers’ campaign, with Old Firm rivals Celtic on the verge of clinching the Premiership title.

Barron will suffer a trophy-less first term at the club after signing from Aberdeen last summer.

But with five league games left – including another Old Firm clash at Ibrox – the 22-year-old midfielder insists they still have pride to play for.

And Barron wants five straight victories, including a third successive victory over Celtic, to finish the season on a high.

The Light Blues midfielder said: “I don’t agree the season is over, not at all. Every game at Rangers, you’ve got to win and that’s what we have to do in the last five.

“We’ve still got our jobs to do, as always, and the last five games are big for us. We have to show what we’re all about and it’s our job to go and win those five games.

“How do I sum up my first season at Rangers? I’d love to be sitting here in the next round of the Europa League, having won a few trophies and pushing for a title.

“But unfortunately it isn’t the case. Looking back is something I’ll do when I’m retired.

“I just need to focus on the here and now at Rangers because I’ve got a job to do between now and the end of the season.

“We’ve got to win every game now. Nothing changes in that regard, that’s our aim.”

Barron came off the bench in Bilbao on Thursday night but could do little to prevent the Basque giants progressing to the semi-finals.

Barry Ferguson’s side were denied a penalty and hit the post but Athletic were worthy winners.

Barron admits it was a painful end to their Euro campaign.

The midfielder said: “It hurts a lot. We put so much into both games but the better team won on Thursday night.

“We’ve got to hold our hands up for that. We gave everything but we’re disappointed to be out.

“It’s been a great run, to come out of the group stage was great.

"But it was all about Thursday night and the Bilbao defeat hurts at the moment.”

After going out of Europe, Ferguson’s future is up in the air as he continues his stint as interim gaffer.

Barron says the former Gers skipper has had a positive impact on a beleaguered squad.

He said: “It’s been great working with Barry and his staff. We’ve really enjoyed it and learned a lot.”